Leave the money on the dresser...

Sometimes it's best to come out the cage swinging. I am a full time Artist; which means if you want me to spotlight/feature/spit, you are calling me to work. I have been doing this longer than Def Poetry Jam existed. WE NEED COMPENSATION! WE NEED COMPENSATION!

Dearest other Artists,

It is due time that we demand to be paid...our worth. If we all did this than they will know to have compensation available or know that that will be discussed when they make contact.

On another note, be honest about your worth. If you want assistance on that...I am also available for consulting.

This is the most effective way to eliminate the pimpin these artists syndrome. Compensation is not secluded to money; it can be a plausible networking event, an opportunity to sell product to a buying crowd, feed me, buy me a drink, pass the bucket, a good cause, etc.

An example of the Pimpin these Artists Syndrome:

Hey, Light. This is blank and I wanted to invite you to feature for our anniversary show...Blah blah blah we have no intention of paying you blah blah.
[since I already knew how their show is set up...a bunch of non-paid poets...showcasing...I REPLY...]

Okay, just make sure I get there. My bus ride is $20 round trip and a ride to and from my momma house.

Ummmm...let me get back to you. [which means that they'll just find someone else that will do it for free]


Am I not worth $20...makes me feel like the common hoe, only she'll get some kind of pay for her blowjob. How would you feel if your boss called you and said "Hey, can you come in for a few hours, do a little work, but we don't have the money this week." ?

I shouldn't be penalized for having a different kind of work, because that's all that is. I don't live in some artist bungalow just off the coast, smoking trees, and sipping lime juice from my coconut cup. I live in Newark...with a landlord that expects his rent like all landlords do. Going any further with this explanation will be insulting your intelligence. I think you get what I'm saying.

Sometimes it feels like abuse...the way they use us up. Well, nothing turns me on like being able to pay my rent. So, PLEASE do me a favor and leave the money on the dresser, it will make up for the pleasure missed while you f*(% ed me.

Tah Tah 4 now, because I feel like I'm going to go in and have a hard time finding my way back out.

PS- Remember artists, "Ask and thou shall receive." GOD